Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Walter Reed: Ground Rules for Visitors

This applies to real Americans visiting our Wounded Warriors, whom they do not know personally, at Walter Reed and elsewhere.

There's no funny Yellow Elephant picture here because this is serious business.

It is essential that you present yourselves, and treat everyone else, with dignity and respect. You probably should leave small children at home.

A military medical facility is a type of hallowed ground for the living. Your presence should help to contribute to our Wounded Warriors' recovery. If you cannot commit to that, then stay outside the gate or, even better, stay home.

It should go without saying, but I'll say it here, that politics are not relevant as our military follows orders from the National Command Authority under our constitutional system of government. If it helps, think about how you would feel if they had intervened in Rwanda or Darfur, Sudan? Servicemembers can't pick and choose.

Please seek advice and counsel from an adult volunteer or something before actually visiting and speaking with anyone.